title

title2

italics underlined

Desperro
::honest::kindhearted ::
||trusting||genuine||stubborn||

Prologue

puzzle pieces

compiled in the records of Thief King Cevti

I've made it my mission to track down the origin of the strange girl-child known as Des Perro. She is one of the most remarkable people Crai or I have ever met, and also one of the least understood. I have spoken to dozens of people in an attempt to get the full story so I can answer Des' questions. She deserves that much.

The following is my attempt to synthesize the story of Des.

Early Life

strange tales

No reports of a missing child have been reported in the empire, but a small tavern in a remote city have tales of a child who could speak the truth and who lived alone in the forest. Very few actually braved the forest to reach the girl child, so her actual existence was just a myth for those desperate.
One man, a caravan master, confirmed the story. He was travelling the land, looking for his wife who was stolen by bandits when he heard of the strange girl who could see what no one else could. He made it to the tree where she lived and waited the day until she came out.
There was a constant cover of fog and mist so he couldn't make out her features very well. She was very short, so obviously a child or an elder, but her voice was young. He did see that her hair shone pure white in the moonlight, with a faintly pink tint.
He heard her words, which led him directly to his beloved. He tried to go back to thank the girl a few moons later, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Arrival

as if she could see...

It was early fall when Des first arrived in the city. She was small, standing under 5'. A tan man was standing at the city gates, watching the incoming crowd. The girl walked right up to him, took his arm and looked up at him with a smile on her face.
I'm Des. You were waiting for me. The way she said it, with absolute certainty, was enough to stop the man in his tracks if her eyes didn't do that already. She had sightless eyes, clouded over in white.
Well, I have nothing else to do today. So where am I going to take you, Miss Des? He leaned towards her and smiled, despite knowing that she couldn't see it. Somehow he knew that she would know what he was doing. It seemed she did, because her own smile brightened.
Well, Cevvy, She said, though he hadn't mentioned his name. I need somewhere to stay. Somewhere safe. And somewhere close to the market. First floor. Stairs are rather difficult. You know somewhere like that. Again, it was no question. It was a fact. And, as she said, the man did know. One of his own buildings had lost a tennent earlier that day that fit her description.
Of course, my lady. He said. Right this way.
They walked in silence until they reached the building Cev was headed towards. It was three stories and made of solid stone. Knocking brought an old woman to the door to greet them and show them down the hall to the vacated room. It was small, but it had a bed, a desk, and a fireplace to cook. Des didn't knock into anything. It was as if she knew the layout before setting foot inside.
Is there anything else I can do for you, Miss? Cev asked, a strange glint in his eye. It was amusement. For all his acting, he was not a commoner to be ordered around by a slip of a girl like Des. Perhaps I should introduce myself formally, before I go.
No need to, Cev i'Ti. She said. I know who you are. You are the youngest King of Thieves in recorded history, though in a hundred years one younger will come. I will see you shortly, I'm sure. But now I'd like to get some shopping done before it gets dark. Goodbye, Cevvy.
And with that, she strode out the door and down the hall. Cev saw her through the open door, avoiding people in the street and heading towards a specific stall that sold spices. He knew she was blind, but somehow, she walked as if she could see. Perhaps, he thought, she simply had a different kind of sight.

Fortune

come learn Truth

Only a few days after arriving in the city, Des set up a stall in the main market. She claimed to be able to tell the future, and within days after that, there was always a line in front of her stall. Word got out that she was never wrong, and people came from all over the city to see for themselves.
It was another two moons before the Thief King stumbled across her stall. Everyone knew who he was, even the few nobles who strayed into the lower city to see this strange lady. They parted before him and let him take the chair. He motioned that they should all leave, and they did. He was alone with the strange girl - or as alone as one could be in the busiest market in the city.
Do you want me to tell you your future, Cevvy? She asked with a faint smile. It took you a long time to see me again. Forget about me so soon?
I will never forget you, Lady Des. He said. But the life of a King is not his own. I've had urgent matters to attend to. I've posted guards to keep you safe - but somehow I think you already know that. Her smile confirmed him right.
Thank you. She muttered. But you must go, and I have more work to do before the day is out. I will see you again. He left without another word, shaking his head.
Soon Des was an expected sight around the town, but she kept to herself. She made friends with no one, and greeted strangers by name. Within another month, no one charged her in coin, but in words. Her words seemed to hold some strange magic over the town, and she was even summoned to see the king, although she never went. She simply sent a letter that was seen only by him, and he accepted that.

Dark Night

and her eyes...

There was only one day a month that Des was nowhere to be found. Cev and Crai heard the rumors just as everyone else had and decided to go to Des' rooms to check in on her. They knocked, but no one answered. Cev, worried about his friend, unlocked the door to find a strange woman sitting in the room. She had bright pink hair, so different from Des' white hair.
Excuse me? This room belongs to my friend. Who are you? When the girl turned around, they were shocked to see their friend's familiar features on the woman's face. The only difference were the eyes. They were pink as the hair, and red around the edges from crying. Des? What's wrong?
I can't see, Cevvy. I can't see anything. She collapsed onto the bed, and Cev sat beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She relaxed against him and clutched his shirt.
Does this happen often? He asked. She nodded against him and let out a muffled sob. He didn't know what to do with the girl in his arms, but he settled for tightening his embrace on her and letting her gather herself.
Yes. Every time the moon disappears. She said, clinging to his shirt and crying freely. After a few moments her sobs stopped and she pulled away, wiping the tears with the bottom of her shirts and sniffing softly.
But what happens? Why does your hair and eyes change? Des tried to compose herself before she answered.
I don't know, she said. It doesn't matter I have to endure it as best I can. She drew herself up to full height, which was still several heads less than Cev.
Well, it doesn't look as if you're doing well. Cev said. Isn't it good to be able to see the world.
Not to me! She said, lip quivering. You don't understand! When my eyes see, I am blind. I don't know who is good or bad; I didn't even know you and Crai were coming to see me. I can't trust anyone - even myself.
You can always trust me. Cev said, taking a step toward the terrified girl. When she was like this, she looked closer to twelve rather than over twenty. She stumbled back until she was pressed in the corner.
Please. She whimpered, completely not herself. Don't hurt me.
I will never hurt you, Des Perro. He took both her hands in one of his and used his other to turn her face up. You can always trust me. He wrapped her in his arms and held her. This time, she didn't fight and she didn't cry.

Epilogue

...so much unanswered

Needless to say, there is still much unknown about the prophetess Des Perro. Where is she from? Who are her parents? How old is she exactly? Why does the moon's absence strip her powers from her?
Perhaps these questions will never be answered, but I will continue to try, because she is the most unique individual I have met. Even more so than Craishote. But he is another story.

NEOPETS, characters, logos, names and all related indicia
are trademarks of Neopets, Inc., © 1999-2012.
® denotes Reg. US Pat. & TM Office. All rights reserved.
PRIVACY POLICY | Safety Tips | Contact Us | About Us | Press Kit
Use of this site signifies your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions